Page 49 of Fox
Laughing in disbelief, I stare at him. “You’re joking, right? Fox, it’s a hook-up app—"
“I know what it is, Janie.” He snaps, cheeks red. “I've had my share of one-night stands, but it was supposed to be for Nevada, not here.”
“What’s the difference between there and here? A hook-up is a hook-up.” I scoff, and I plant my fists on my hips.
He growls as he runs his hands over his bearded jaw. “Jesus fucking Christ! You’re fucking here!” My eyes widen as I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out.
“Don’t,” he states after rubbing his hand over his forehead. “Don’t read into that. I’m not going to go any further than that. I can’t have a one-night stand and then look at you. And I’m not kicking you out of the house to fuck someone else.”
Not going any further?
Someone else?
“Fox, you're throwing out so many signals to me, I don’t know what I’m supposed to say or do,” I say softly while twisting my fingers nervously. Fox rolls his eyes while letting out a dry laugh.
“Welcome to my hell. Don’t worry, as I said. We aren’t going any further, so let’s drop it.”
“Wait!” I grab his forearm as he starts to walk away. I feel the muscles and tendons moving as I grip him tightly. “Why?” I weakly get out.
“Why what?” He sounds like this conversation is exhausting him.
“Why is this not going further? Is it because you’re not attracted to me?”
“No.” He says shortly, still not looking at me.
“Is it my personality?” I try again.
“No, Janie…” He whines while lifting his head to the ceiling in frustration.
“Is it my tremors?” That catches him by surprise. Fox whips around, eyes blazing as he looks down at me.
“That was never even a thought in my head, and it better not be one in yours.” His voice is low and comes out almost like a warning.
“Then what’s so wrong with me?” I shout out. I can’t handle this anymore. If it’s not my looks or personality or my disability, then why doesn’t he want me?
“Because you are off-limits!” He shouts back. “I’m not breaking that rule again!”
“Off-limits?” Realization hits me. I remember hearing that. My dad used to say it to every new hire at the shop. Narrowing my eyes, I’m filled with indignation and embarrassment. “I’m a grown woman, Fox.”
“Janie, you were a teenager when I met you. A fucking kid. It’s just… It’s weird and wrong, and your dad will haunt me if I pursue anything and—Ah! Just stop! This conversation is over. I’m leaving for Nevada with the guys tomorrow night. I got you a copy of my—”
“I don’t need it,” I snap while reaching behind the counter and grabbing my purse. The embarrassment and rejection have filled me up completely. I’m done. This is the final drop; my bucket can’t hold anymore. I won’t continue to allow myself to be turned down by this man.
Fox huffs as he stands in front of me to block me from leaving. “Don’t act like a—”
“Say child, and I swear to god, Fox!” I yell as I stand toe to toe with him while craning my neck to look up at his stupid face.
“What, Janie? Are you going to smack me with those tiny hands again?” He taunts with a smirk on his face.
“I fucking hate you.” I spit out while roughly shoving his chest. Like the fucking tree trunk he is, he doesn’t budge. He just chuckles, which pisses me off more, and I push him again. This time, he grabs my wrists to stop me.
“I hate you more, trust me.” He growls while shoving my wrists away.
We stare at each other, gazes burning, breaths quickening. I blink, and his lips are on mine; my tongue is forcing its wayinto his hot mouth, and he’s gripping my shirt between his large hands, and as if it were tissue, he rips it apart. I grab his bottom lip between my teeth and bite down. He lets out a loud growl, and I taste the copper on my tongue. I pull his shirt over his head and take a second to admire his tattooed neck and torso before going back to his mouth. I feel him grab me under my ass and lift me onto Atlas’ table before his hands go to my jeans.
I gasp when he rips them down my legs and throws them over his shoulder. There is no tenderness, no patience. It’s as if we both have something to prove to the other.
I sit up to remove his pants but am met with his hand on my throat. He gently pushes me back down, and I hear his jeans fall to the floor.
